KOLKATA: At least 17 people have died and several others have been injured in a stampede at the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata on Saturday evening. Around 35 injured people have reportedly been admitted to Kolkata Medical College and Hospital. According to Kolkata Police, the incident occurred at approximately 7:40 PM near the pandal’s exit gate. Heavy crowds amid rainfall reportedly triggered panic and a stampede-like situation, leaving several people injured. Police personnel, fire services, disaster management teams and ambulances rushed to the spot to carry out rescue and emergency operations. The pandal has been temporarily closed to devotees as a precautionary measure. West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal visited the hospital to review the situation and assess the treatment being provided to the injured. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the incident and wished a speedy recovery for those injured. According to an eyewitness, the entry and exit routes at the pandal were narrow, while inadequate lighting in the area may have added to the difficulties during the rush. The eyewitness also said several people lost consciousness during the incident. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari over the phone following the tragedy and expressed his condolences. Shah has reportedly cancelled all his scheduled programmes for Sunday and is expected to visit Kolkata to meet the injured in hospital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced financial assistance for the victims’ families and those injured in the stampede. Under the announced assistance, ₹2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased person, while ₹50,000 will be given to each injured person. The incident has raised concerns over crowd management, emergency exits and safety arrangements at crowded public celebrations. Further details regarding the circumstances leading to the stampede and the condition of the injured are awaited.